Teresa Giudice Dad Dead At 76: ‘You Are The Strongest Man I Know’

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star mourned her father with a heartfelt message on Instagram April 3. She posted a touching video along with the following caption:

“My father, my protector, my hero, God took you early this morning to be with mommy, I saw you peacefully pass & I know you kept fighting for my daughters and I. I have so many amazing thoughts of you, every day seeing you in the kitchen at my home, teaching my girls to cook, my partner in crime on shopping trips, your love of the shore & my travel buddy. You always wanted everyone to have a good time, eat great food, have a stiff drink and enjoy life. You are the absolute strongest man I know & I know you missed mommy so much but you stayed for us. Thank you for being the best husband, father & Nonno. Your devotion to mommy was one for the record books, you were the true example and a gentleman and devoted husband. You visited mommy every single day & would go twice for the days you missed while traveling or if you were to sick to go, my silver lining is knowing you’ll be together now. 💕Thank you for showing us all what true love is. Love you Papa Rest In Peace. 🙏🏻❤️😭.”

Just recently, Nonno was hospitalized for unknown health issues. His daughter-in-law, Melissa Gorga, asked fans to pray for him.

Fans first became aware of Giacinto’s health problems in Oct. 2017, when Teresa Giudice detailed her dad’s previous stays at the hospital (for reasons including that he was “coughing up blood” and had “trouble breathing”) in her memoir, Standing Strong. A month after the book’s release, Giacinto was reportedly hospitalized for pneumonia. He then returned to the hospital — two visits in one week — in October of the following year, 2018.

Melissa Gorga didn’t share details of his current health but Nonno has been plagued by health scares numerous times over the years — including in the last few months.

Teresa Giudice was forced to leave BravoCon 2019 early to care for her ailing father back in November.

“Sorry, BravoCon fans. I had to leave,” the reality TV star said on her Instagram Stories in November 2019, in a since-deleted video with an ambulance in the background. “My dad doesn’t feel well. I’m taking him to the hospital.”